January pictures

Hailey and Mommy go to Work

My mom had a medical procedure done this week, so on Tuesday Hailey came with me to work. I went prepared with the swing, monitor and toys. My boss was super-cool about it. He even held her a few times while I ran to the restroom. She was a champ. She took a 45 minute nap in the morning. Then we left at 11 to go pick up Kaitlyn from daycare and take her to PPCD. After I dropped her off, I had an appointment with couch lady. She was so excited to meet Hailey. Afterwards, I grabbed some lunch before heading back to pick up Kaitlyn.

Back at the office, she ended up taking another 45 minute nap. All in all she was very quiet. She only got a little noisy right before she fell asleep. However, I ended up staying a little too long. I figured since she was sleeping I would get a few more things done. But man, she woke up at 6:15 screaming! I think everyone on the floor heard her! Not too bad though. Such a sweet girl!

First Report Card

Kaitlyn got her first report card from the PPCD program. It provided a status update on three annual goals.

Goal: Kaitlyn will increase mastery of speech therapy skills. Specific skills targeted include language development.
Progress: 30%.
Comments: Kaitlyn has warmed up very nicely and is very friendly to everyone at school. She appears to be happy and comfortable in her setting. She is verbal but will not always respond directly to prompts. We will continue to work on this.

Goal: Kaitlyn will increase mastery of fine motor skills.
Progress: 20%
Comments: Kaitlyn is making progress in all areas. She is such a fun and delightful student.

Goal: Kaitlyn will increase mastery of social skills.
Progress: 40%

Sounds like a good report card to me!

Glasses!

Last week I took Kaitlyn to the eye doctor for her lazy eye. For a while I have noticed that her eye crosses sometimes. Her old OT mentioned that a lot of doctors don't do anything about that so young. So I kind of dismissed it. Especially since I didn't think Kaitlyn would tolerate using a patch or anything.

The waiting room was packed with kids and parents. They brought us back 30-45 minutes late. We started by seeing a nurse of sorts. She asked questions and then examined Kaitlyn while she sat in my lap. It was amazing that she could look at her eyes in such a non-invasive way! When I go to the eye doctor, it is super invasive! She indicated that it wasn't a lazy eye - it was both eyes and they were crossing. I was relieved that she was able to see what I was seeing. She dilated her eyes and sent us back to the waiting room to wait. There were kids much worse on the waiting room. It reminded me that we are lucky.

At that point I took Kaitlyn to CVS to buy some diapers. Silly mom brought the iPad, books, snacks, but no diapers! Wile at CVS, I bought some gerber puffs as a treat. Kaitlyn ate the entire container while we waited!

Over an hour and a half later, they called us back again. One doctor came in to test her eyes to see how farsighted she was. Finally Dr. McCash came in. I liked him! He sang to distract Kaitlyn. She liked him too! He indicated that she was farsighted but it is borderline - whether it was severe enough to cause her eyes to cross. He indicated that children with neurological disorders (autism?) often have eye issues. He wants to try glasses (gulp) for 6-8 weeks. If that doesn't work, it might be surgical (double gulp).

We went this week to order glasses. We were lucky to be the only ones there. We opted for these basic, plastic, PINK glasses. Kaitlyn shocked us all by letting me put them on her head to try on. They have a strap that wraps around the back of her head. We praised her and she ran sound the shop looking in the mirror. Maybe she will wear them! They are supposed to come in this week.

Hailey Pictures - 15 Weeks

I took Hailey to get her picture taken today.  We got some good one's!  Kaitlyn took pictures in this same outfit and blanket.  It will be interesting to look at their pictures side by side.  

 

 My friend Amy made this dress.  She is so talented! (Kaitlyn has a matching one too)

Christmas with the Family

Our first Christmas as a family of 4 was a good one.  Scott and Russell were in town on Christmas Eve so my mom hosted dinner.  Kaitlyn always has fun when her Uncles are in town.  This visit she really enjoyed climbing on "Ruskell."  

I was feeling a bit creative when I snapped this pic.  She was sitting looking at some new toys.

 

And here is Kaitlyn playing with her new awesome Dollhouse from Grandma and Grandpa.  It was cute watching her play by herself.  She is growing up so fast.

And here is Hailey in another Christmas outfit cuddling with Grandpa Aitken.  We had the grandparents over on Christmas afternoon.

December Fun

So I've been a little MIA.  The end of my maternity leave rolled into the holidays.  And man, it's just been so busy.  Here are some pictures from December.  I thought this picture was funny.  How in the world did that sock get up there?  Our girl is a mover and can do amazing things with her legs/feet.  She takes after her momma in that way.  (I sometimes pick things up off the ground with my feet!)

Here is Kaitlyn one weekend morning.  She's still in her PJ's but put on her backpack and was playing with her birthday balloons.  We get a ton of use out of helium balloons!  I let them hang around forever.  She sure enjoys them.

The tree provided entertainment for Hailey.  She liked to lay and look at the lights.

 

And while doing a similar exercise at Grandma's house, Kaitlyn decided that she needed to join in and see what was going on down there.  This is definitely a sign of things to come.  Kaitlyn is very interested in Hailey's toys.

Let the festivities begin!  Mike and Jenny came to town and stayed with us for part of their trip.  Here is our first night out.  Hailey joined the gang at PF Changs.  She was a doll.  We passed her around and she got to spend time with everyone.  Towards the end she got tired, but she was a trooper.

Kaitlyn decided that she wanted to start sitting in her high chair again.  This was the night of the first annual Fancy Beer & Wine Gala.  The kiddos hung out with everyone and Kaitlyn enjoyed herself.  I think being up in the chair somehow made her feel more on our level.  We've found that it helps her focus on one task.  So I'm a fan!  Although while she is in the seat we have to keep bringing her different books and things to do.

And that same night, here is Eric working on his Dad of the Year status. Both kids at once!

"Snowman!" And it is as big as her.  This was in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard.

Not sure where she learned this ;)  But thanks kiddo for helping us vacuum the living room!

Hailey in her Christmas attire.  Apparently not a fan of the bow.  It didn't last long, but sure was cute.

More chair time.

 

Daddy's little girl